Sunday, 21 October 2012

Interview: It Takes Two To Tango

It Takes Two To Tango stormed the Beatport charts last week seeing Keep It Fresh, his first release on Simplify Recordings, peak at #3 in the Glitch Hop Chart. Since he gave us a wicked guest mix on Glitch.FM back in June, he's also released a free EP under his own name and a compilation through his own label Apex Music. Time to find out more about this funky injun....

Please introduce yourself....where did the name come from?

I'm Marc or It Takes Two to Tango. The name was originally used for a duo project between my self and a mate who would play guitar in the tracks. However uni came along for us both, so I just kept the name and went from there.

How would you describe your style of music?

Well like most musicians I listen to everything you could think of but I guess Glitch Hop would be the main genre. However I like to think that I make funky music also with a bit of melodic stuff in there as well. But at the end of the day its kind of what ever I want really.

What kit do you use?

Well in the studio (My bedroom ha) I have and iMac and a Macbook. I use both of them for production but mainly the iMac. Both are running Ableton and Logic Pro, which I use to produce. Plug-in wise just your standard FM8, Sylenth and Reaktor but I also have a few secret free download plug-ins I keep to myself.
I have a bit of hardware as well got some Korgs, EMX -1 Microkorg, Koass Pad (Which I use live as well) and then have my guitars and basses.

What first turned you onto glitchy bass music? Any particular artists or tracks?

Well electronic wise the band that got me in to that was Enter Shikari they opened up the idea of synths to me even though I had a funk and metal background. Glitch-wise id say it was a gradual build the the tempo being at the same pace as most funk songs and hip hop tracks.

Ultimately though I'd have to say the lord and mighty Oscar (Opiuo) Is where I really got in to the glitch hop style. Its just cool now that we speak a bit and I'm good mates with his PR and manager who I owe a lot to.

What's the scene like where you are?

Well I'm based in Redditch which is a little town near Birmingham which not many people know so I normally just say Birmingham. I travel to like Derby and London where they're starting to put on glitch nights to perform. Although I do play at the O2 Academy in Birmingham a bit so its getting there. (Check out Beta Birmingham - M.O.M.)

Where do you like to play the most?

Well having only really played in London, Derby and Wales at Beach Break live I haven't got around a lot but I would have to say Derby where I played a show about a small cafe with around 250 people in a room which is meant for a 100. Everyone was moshing and right in my face, it got a bit sweaty but was amazing.

What's the craziest gig you've ever played?

I would have to say Beach Break Live. The weather had been terrible, raining all weekend, then the sun came out for the day I was playing. However, when I went to the stage I was performing at all the DJs before me were playing minimal house and happy hardcore, so I was worried the crowd wouldn't like my stuff. I started my set with one person dancing, no lie, and about 10 sat on the surround fences, but by the end I had a crowd of about 300, which was just amazing. I finished with my track 'Yes Sir I Can Boogie' and they all went mental. So yeah best gig so far.

Who's inspiring you most at the moment?

I think I'd have to say I listen to more bands then anything. Like most producers I know I try to not listen to whats going on in the scene because its easier to compare yourself to them and make music like them without meaning to. Id have to say bands like Sum 41, Rise Against, Pure Love, Givers, Lemon Jelly. Stuff like that.

Who are you looking out for in 2013?

I'd probably have to say my beautiful friend Charlotte Carpenter, singer-songwriter and just down right amazing girl. I'm feeling the sounds of Dead Astronauts as well (who I recently remixed), so nice and chilled, with a little dark screech.

What's your next project in the pipeline?

Well I have a new track out soon as well as a sexy remix for Tut TuT Child, but I also have a very sexy track in the works with the loverly Charlotte Carpenter and a new EP.